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Trump waives Russia sanctions, drawing Congress outrage

First reported · Updated · 23 sources: The Hill, BBC, Reuters, newcastleherald.com.au, 2news, sputnikglobe

What happened

President Donald Trump waived several Russia-related sanctions that were to take effect under a new US law, citing national security concerns and a desire to keep peace negotiations going. The decision has drawn outrage from Congress and prompted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to warn that US support of Putin is a "historic mistake." A growing chorus of House Republicans is warning they are ready to block additional Pentagon funding unless the administration gets tougher on Russia.

What it means for markets

The waiver removes a near-term risk of tighter Russia sanctions, which may ease pressure on oil prices as more Russian fuel supplies may enter markets. However, the fraying of US support for Ukraine raises uncertainty for European defense stocks and the euro. The threat of blocked Pentagon funding adds a new fiscal and defense-sector uncertainty.

AssetExpectedMove since first report
Crude oil USO Sanctions waiver may increase Russian fuel supplies, pressuring oil prices
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Defense stocks ITA Uncertainty over US support for Ukraine and potential Pentagon funding block
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Euro FXE Fraying US support for Ukraine raises geopolitical risk for Europe
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What to watch

  • Trump's 60-day review period for Russia sanctions per Rubio
  • Any deal between Trump and Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
  • Pentagon funding vote in House linked to Russia stance

Source timeline

  1. sputnikglobe Trump Holds Back on Russia Sanctions as Ukraine Talks Advance
  2. National Trump pause on Russia sanctions triggers pushback from Pennsylvania
  3. BBC Trump sued over Canadian tariffs in latest legal challenge
  4. The Hill Former NATO commander: 'No balance' to Trump decision 'to give in to Russia'
  5. Bloomberg Trump open to Putin, Xi summit but would focus on nuclear arms
  6. The Hill GOP, Trump, Hegseth tangle on Russia amid rising midterm pressures: Live discussion
  7. The Hill Wicker calls on Trump, Zelensky to broker deal to stop strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
  8. Reuters Trump's Russia sanctions waiver eases India's energy woes, lifts trade deal chances
  9. newcastleherald.com.au Trump says he doesnt want to drive Russia away
  10. Reuters Oil slips as Trump's sanction waiver may lead to more Russian fuel supplies
  11. BBC Trump says suspension of Russia sanctions is to keep peace negotiations going
  12. The Hill Zelensky warns US support of Putin is a 'historic mistake'
  13. The Hill Republicans warn that Pentagon funds will hinge on Trump getting tougher with Russia
  14. Reuters Rubio says Trump to take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions
  15. BBC Trump waives several Russia sanctions as row with Zelensky intensifies
  16. 2news Trump decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress , but no quick counter seen
  17. 2news Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia put on hold by Trump
  18. The Hill Ukraine faces grim question of whether it can take on Russia without US backing
  19. Ukraine relationship Ex - national security adviser issues warning amid fraying US
  20. Ukraine relationship frays Trump waives Russian sanctions as US
  21. BBC Trump waives several Russia sanctions as new US law takes effect
  22. newcastleherald.com.au Trump waives many Russia - related sanctions and tariffs
  23. Reuters Trump waives many Russia-related sanctions, tariffs before they were to take effect under new law

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